In Amran, armed Houthi militants attacked singer Yahya Sa’sa and stole his equipment.
Armed Attack on Popular Singer Yahya Sa’sa’a
In a shocking incident early this morning, popular singer and performer Yahya Sa’sa’a fell victim to an armed robbery in the Ashmour area of Amran Governorate. The attack occurred as he returned from performing at a wedding.
Details of the Attack
Sa’sa’a reported on his Facebook account that masked gunmen intercepted him in the Dhala area. They forced him and his motorcycle driver to stop at gunpoint. Shortly after, a group of over five additional armed men joined the initial attackers.
The assailants physically assaulted Sa’sa’a with the butts of their rifles and stole his musical equipment and personal belongings, including his traditional dagger, known as a janbiya. Following the robbery, the attackers fled into the nearby mountains. Notably, Sa’sa’a adhered to the restrictions imposed by the Houthi militia and did not use any musical instruments during the wedding.
Accountability and Previous Incidents
Sa’sa’a held the Houthi militia leadership in Amran and its security director accountable for the attack. He revealed that he had previously experienced multiple kidnappings by the militia over the past few years.
Ongoing Violations Against Artists
The areas controlled by the Houthis have witnessed a widespread crackdown on artists and performers. This campaign includes prohibitions on wedding performances, as well as incidents of assault, kidnapping, and imprisonment. In contrast, the militia supports “Zawmil” groups, using events to further their sectarian agenda.
This alarming trend highlights the increasing risks faced by artists in regions under Houthi control, raising concerns about freedom of expression and cultural expression in Yemen.
For more details, visit Yemen TV.
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